Through-Wall Lighting via Waveguide and Compound Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light fixtures used to mark structures, such as tall structures for aircraft, are often expensive, heavy, and difficult to install, and they can cause light pollution by emitting excessive light above and below the horizontal plane.
Innovation Solution
A through-wall light fixture design that includes a collimated light source coupled to an optic waveguide, with a light distribution element featuring compound optics to move vertical peak intensity and split light into horizontal beams, allowing for uniform light distribution along a horizontal plane, enabling easy installation from inside the structure and minimizing light pollution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional beacon lights are used to mark tall structures for aircraft, then the structure is effectively marked and visible to aircraft, but the lights become very expensive, heavy, and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional heavy mechanical beacon light assemblies with a compact LED-based light fixture that uses optical waveguides and compound optics to achieve the same aviation marking function. The LED light source coupled with waveguide technology eliminates the need for heavy reflectors and complex mechanical structures, dramatically reducing weight while maintaining effective visibility for aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the light system by using high-intensity LED sources with specific luminous intensities (e.g., 200-1000 candelas) and controlling beam distribution patterns through compound optics. This allows achieving effective aviation marking with much lower power consumption and smaller physical dimensions compared to traditional incandescent beacon systems.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional beacon lights are used to mark tall structures, then the structure is effectively marked, but the lights become very expensive and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is designed as a segmented, modular system where the LED light source, waveguide, and optical elements can be manufactured separately and assembled into a compact unit. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing processes, easier quality control, and straightforward installation by mounting the complete compact fixture to the structure surface without complex assembly requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of installing large traditional beacons from the outside of tall structures, the patent enables installation from the interior side of the structure wall. The light fixture is mounted internally and projects light outward through the wall surface, reversing the traditional installation approach and greatly simplifying access and installation procedures.
3Illumination intensity
If traditional beacon lights emit light in all directions, then the structure is well-marked, but excessive light is emitted above and below the horizontal plane causing light pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control through compound optics that create different light distribution characteristics in different spatial zones. The optical system is designed to concentrate light intensity in the horizontal plane (0° to ±10° elevation) where aircraft operate, while deliberately reducing or eliminating light emission above (±10° to +90°) and below (0° to -90°) the horizontal plane. This localized optimization of light distribution achieves effective aviation marking without contributing to light pollution in other directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harmful effect of omnidirectional light emission into a beneficial directed beam pattern. By using waveguide technology and compound optics with prismatic surfaces, the system transforms what would be wasted light in unnecessary directions into concentrated, efficient illumination precisely where needed for aircraft visibility, thereby eliminating light pollution while enhancing marking effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The through-wall light fixture is lightweight, easy to install, and effectively marks structures without causing significant light pollution, as it emits sufficient light only within the necessary horizontal plane, reducing installation challenges and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
an optic wave guide, wherein the collimated light source is coupled to a first end of the optic wave guide
Implementation Method 2
an optic wave guide, wherein the collimated light source is coupled to a first end of the optic wave guide to be located closer to an interior side of a wall
Implementation Method 3
a light distribution element comprises compound optics comprising a first optical feature to move a vertical peak intensity of a light emitted by the light source
Implementation Method 4
a second optical feature to split the light emitted by the lights source into two horizontal beams
Implementation Method 5
a third optical feature to provide a uniform light intensity along a horizontal plane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to examples of a through wall light fixture. In one embodiment, the through wall light fixture includes a collimated light source, an optic wave guide, wherein the collimated light source is coupled to a first end of the optic wave guide to be located closer to an interior side of a wall, and a light distribution element coupled to a second end of the optic wave guide to be located closer to an exterior side of the wall.